Coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Reese Oliver, joins the host to dissect the cult-like environment of the cheerleading squad. They delve into the intense training, exploitation, and patriarchal dynamics within the organization. The discussion uncovers the demanding physical and mental toll faced by the cheerleaders, including issues of conformity, lack of diversity, and challenges faced by women of color.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders organization embodies a cult with strict hierarchy and conformity.
Cheerleaders endure physical tolls and mental strain due to performance pressure and unrealistic standards.
Exploitation, inequality, and white supremacist ideals underscore the harmful environment within the organization.
Deep dives
The Allure of Cultish Influence
The allure of cultish influence within the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders organization is highlighted by the strict hierarchy, conformity, and the pressure to embody a certain ideal. With a binder dictating the rules and expectations, recruits are subjected to a demanding culture that values performance over individual well-being. As seen in the case of Victoria, the organization's grip extends beyond the stadium, shaping identities and leaving lasting impacts.
Physical Toll and Dehumanization
The physical toll on cheerleaders, exemplified by jump splits and extensive practices, reveals a culture that prioritizes performance at the expense of health. Cheerleaders face injuries and endure rigorous training, leading to long-term consequences such as surgeries and chronic pain. Moreover, the dehumanization within the organization, coupled with body image scrutiny and eating disorder implications, perpetuates unrealistic standards and mental strain.
Watch Your Hips: Labor Exploitation
Despite claims of sisterhood and passion for dance, the reality of labor exploitation emerges as Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are paid minimally for demanding work and face unforgiving physical expectations. The organization's reluctance to address the disparities in pay and support for cheerleaders reveals an underlying culture of exploitation and inequality.
Whispers of White Supremacist Ideals
Amid the glitz and glamor, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders grapple with white supremacist patriarchal undercurrents that manifest in subtle yet pervasive ways. From the lack of diversity in recruitment to the unwavering image of whiteness and beauty, echoes of racial biases and gender norms create a cult-like environment that upholds exclusive standards.
Verdict: Get the Fuck Out
Upon evaluation of the cult categories, particularly considering the physical toll, dehumanization, labor exploitation, and underlying white supremacist ideals, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders organization falls into the 'Get the Fuck Out' category. Despite moments of camaraderie and passion, the cult-like nature of the group's demands and culture ultimately signal a harmful environment that merits a critical stance and reevaluation of its practices.
You culties preyed and preyed for us to analyze the cult of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, and at long last, host Amanda Montell and coordinator Reese Oliver are blessing you with one of our favorite episodes in a very long time 🥲 To the undiscerning eye, Netflix’s new “America’s Sweethearts” series may look like an innocent little feature on the NFL’s most treasured cheerleading squad… but to us, this was a true crime documentary about a profoundly conformist, exploitative, isolating, hyper-patriarchal, physically perilous, but also inspirational and glamorous CULT. The question is not if the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team is culty—I mean, hello, duh—the question is how bad is it??? Tighten your Kelli knots and spritz another coat of hairspray, because we are not holding back this week 📣
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